Psittacosis

TL;DR. Infecção bacteriana altamente contagiosa em aves, zoonótica; antibióticos prolongados e higiene rigorosa.

Letargia e penas eriçadas são sinais inespecíficos frequentes.

O que é?

Psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis) is infection with the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci). Affects many bird species (especially psittacines, pigeons, poultry) and is zoonotic ("parrot fever" in people).

Causas e fatores de risco

Inhalation or ingestion of bacteria shed in feces, urine, nasal secretions, and dander. Survives in dried organic material. Stress flares latent carriage. New birds without quarantine, wild-bird contact, and poor sanitation raise risk.

Sinais a observar

• Lethargy, ruffled feathers, anorexia (cardinal)
• Lime-green/yellow-green urates (liver involvement)
• Nasal/ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, tail bobbing (common)
• Neurologic signs or sudden death (severe/rare)

Conjuntivite e secreção nasal são sinais respiratórios comuns.

Como os veterinários diagnosticam

History and exam. PCR on choanal/cloacal swabs (intermittent shedding). Serology, CBC, radiographs. One negative test does not prove freedom from infection.

Opções de tratamento

Doxycycline for typically 45 consecutive days (gold standard). Remove high-calcium sources during oral therapy. Alternatives e.g. azithromycin if not tolerated. Supportive care and biosecurity.

Prognóstico

Good to excellent with early full course. Guarded if advanced organ damage or concurrent PBFD. Reinfection possible.

Prevenção

30-45 day quarantine and testing of new birds; daily cleaning with effective disinfectants; reduce stress; limit wild-bird contact; PPE when cleaning suspect cages.

Quando chamar o veterinário

Emergency: open-mouth breathing/heavy tail bobbing, bottom-sitting, no food/water 12-24 h, severe lime-green droppings, neurologic signs. Humans with flu-like illness after bird contact should tell a physician.

Fontes

• Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, pp. 1288, 1296, 1300.

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